Our Industry Person of the Week is DeIla Ray. DeIla is a Pipe Welder and an Empowering Women in Industry Tradeswoman of the Year.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
DeIla: Perhaps the universe aligned for me? I was unknowingly introduced to what would soon become my passion for work when my husband’s company needed a fire watch. There, in the middle of a North Dakota winter while working outside at a compressor station I stood in amazement seeing for the first time what welding was; the sparks quite literally flew. I knew on that job site even though I was inexperienced, unknowledgeable, and untrained that I was right where I was supposed to be. I made it my self-mission to do whatever I could to learn more and succeed in welding. Fast forward 8+ years and I am ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Certified in GTAW and SMAW, HDPE Niron Fusion Certifications, and I am the Co-founder and Operator of Alpha Duo LLC. My husband Jack and I fabricate and weld almost anything that comes through our door or any idea that comes through a thought. This year, my focus has been propelled into a new direction with welding. I have the urge to pass the torch and the need to build the largest ladder I can to help any girl or woman hopefully find the same passion I have found with welding.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
DeIla: Welding is a fulfilling occupation in so many ways! I get to see something I put my sweat, blood, holidays away from family and friends, and body come to life as a skilled trades worker. After becoming certified and traveling for years I am able to use those skills, knowledge, and experiences and cross that over into our own business. Furthermore, I am beginning to utilize Alpha Duo LLC to help introduce welding to girls and women of all ages. I am proud of what I’ve experienced and where I’ve been in my career. Now, I get to try and help other women find their place in the trades!
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
DeIla: “Believe it until you receive it.” I just heard this saying on one of the Empowering Women in Industry monthly Mentorship Circle sessions and I think this is spot on. If you think you’re not capable of something or that you’re not able to accomplish a goal – then you’ll likely fail or never do it. If you believe in yourself and know that you may not be able to do “it” right now there will likely come the day when you are doing whatever “it” is. Just don’t give up – “believe it until you receive it.”
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
DeIla: I’m getting inside of RACECARS!!! When opportunities present themselves and it’s a new process of welding of course I’m going to step up. I’m learning and building turbos and body frames and it is a whole different kind of pipe welding, but I love it!
Connected with DeIla on Instagram @deila.ray or @official_alpha_duo or on LinkedIn.
THANK YOU, DEILA! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
KNOW AN AMAZING PERSON WHO IS MAKING VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS WITHIN INDUSTRY? NOMINATE THEM TO BE AN “INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE WEEK”!
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